Osaka Gov. Toru Hashimoto's popularity has earned his prefecture a donation of ¥100 million from a woman in her 80s, an official said April 10.

Hashimoto has often grabbed attention for making blunt remarks critical of public school teachers as well as his efforts to reduce Osaka's debts. Before the lawyer became governor, his legal advice was sought after by TV shows.

The mystery woman called the prefectural regional welfare division on the morning of March 17 to say she was Hashimoto's fan and wanted to donate money for him to use for welfare, the official said.